Sunset Hike - Discover Why Queen Rigi is More Than Just a Mountain - Panoramic Hiking in Central Swiss Alps!

Your Majesty, how beautiful you are! Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains and located in Central Switzerland, is full of grace and high in stature, just like true royalty. This hiking trail is a hit amongst hikers and photographers, and we invite you to join us on our next trip. Check out the map and photography tips and tricks below.

Always looked up to, never looked down on, the Rigi itself is a mountain range with several peaks that stretches from Chänzeli over Rotstock, Hochflue, and to the Urmiberg for about 10 kilometers.

The special island-like location between Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz alone is an eye-catcher. But the icing on the cake are the nearby rock massifs of Central Switzerland, which lend their special photographic charm to the scenery during one of the often magical sunsets.

The Rigi is accessible by several lifts, so everyone gets their money’s worth here. Far from sunny weekends, it is also easy to find a quiet corner. The boat trip from Lucerne followed by the Rigi ascent has been the classic excursion in central Switzerland for over 100 years.

Queen Rigi is more than just a mountain. At least that is how the publicist Adi Kälin, who grew up at the foot of the Rigi, describes the excursion mountain in his picture and storybook of the same name. Come here to enjoy a beautiful sunset hike and snap your photo at Chänzeli viewpoint. Do you like this photo? Mountain Moments can help you prepare for photography/hiking trips like these

Directions! This is how your Rigi-centered adventure looks like on a map

Ascent with the Rigi Kulm rack railroad (1748m). About 50 meters uphill to the summit of Rigi Kulm (1797m). From here follow the Kulmweg (Kulm path) and further the Staffelhöhenweg (Staffel path) along the striking mountain ridge and the cogwheel railroad downhill and finally keep to the right until you reach the viewpoint Chänzeli (1464m).

From here you have a wonderful view of Lake Lucerne. The route continues via Rigi Kaltbad (1435m). If you wish, you can take the train back down to the valley. This very easy tour can also be enjoyed with a wheelchair or baby carriage. The hiker gets back down to the valley from Rigi Staffel, Rigi Staffelhöhe or Rigi Kaltbad. If you would like to extend your hike, simply follow the mountain ridge from Hotel Rigi

The 10.5-kilometer route is easy/medium difficulty-wise, and can be finished in under four hours. — Hiking Map: *The 10.5-kilometer route at Rigi is easy/medium difficulty-wise, and can be finished in under four hours*.

First in a westerly direction along the rock path to e.g. Rigi Scheidegg (1658m, mountain railroad in the direction of Goldau). The photo tour leads from the Unterstetten inn along the Seeweg and finally turns right in the direction of the old Hinterbergen cable car. From the valley station, you can reach the harbor/parking lot in Vitznau in just a few steps.

Sporty photographers continue from Unterstetten over the Gätterli Pass (1189m), the Rigi Hochflue (1698m) to Timpel (1128m, mountain railroad) and, depending on their taste, reach the valley with one of the mountain railroads.

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – Chänzeli, alpine flowers, and views over the lakes

The most beautiful and most famous photo spot can be found at Chänzeli in the first third of this mountain tour (sunset!). The wide view over the lake landscape is probably the most popular motif. Along the ridge we find many alpine flowers as well as phenomenal views over the lakes and towards the central Alps.

In the surrounding area, a trip to Mount Pilatus and Stoos-Fronalpstock is also worthwhile. In Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge is also a particularly beautiful motif. The public transport is excellently developed here, so the tours can also be easily modified spontaneously.

More information about your hiking trip in the Swiss Alps

How to get there by public transport: Take a train to Lucerne, from here continue by bus or boat (direction Vitznau). Return similarly or by bus.

How to get there by car: From Zurich via the A4 to the Küssnacht exit, continue along the lakeshore via Küssnacht, Greppen and Weggis to Vitznau. Parking near the cogwheel railroad.

Start/finish: Rigi Kulm mountain station 47.055188,8.485438

Distance: 10.5km

Duration: 3:20h

Ascent/descent: 120m/800m

Highest point/lowest point: 1798m/1050m

Hike difficulty level: easy/medium

Special features: Very many options thanks to ascents and well-developed public transport.

Catering: Various options at all starting points, cable car stations and along the way.

Further tips: Sunset rides

Contact:

www.lakelucerne.ch

www.hinterbergen.ch

www.weggis-vitznau.ch

Marius

Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team.